[hemulen]

Does bipolar get better with medication and can you go on to live a normal life?

I'm scared it won't.

[Moose72]

It should but the doses aren't always static.

[Moose72]

It should but the doses aren't always static.

Hi hemulen! Of course there are no guarantees and different things work for different people and it may take some time to figure out what works best, but... that being said, I had the same fear, and was quite skeptical, but have had very good success with Lamictal (I've got BP II). I've been astounded at the difference it has made so far. It even took away the one symptom I believed nothing could alter.
Astounded is no exaggeration. Have gone from um, how to put this? -- terminal thinking -- to actually embarking on a new life after being stuck for a *very* long time and feeling I couldn't possibly do anything right or ever make it in the "real world" (which still frightens me -- but not so much that I'm paralyzed by it). So yeah. Actually ready to take on a "normal life"!!!
(And yeah, the low point mentioned above followed a huge hypomania where I was adamant against needing any kind of med, thankyouverymuch! Boy did I change my tune when the crash started--yet again--.Skeptical yes, but also getting desperate and getting real about how the pattern was going and just how much time I was spending hopelessly depressed...a pattern that had been going on for 25-30 years...)
(Hehe, if it helps, you can take my typically bipolar attitude going into meds... "hey, I can always go off it!") But hopefully you will find what works for you and believe me, when that happens, you'll never want to go back! Because <gasp> you'll might just find a "normal life" actually possible. Good luck to you, hemulen!

[hemulen]

Thanks for your help and insight

[rcsweep]

Originally Posted by hemulen

Does bipolar get better with medication and can you go on to live a normal life?

I'm scared it won't.

define normal, i'm not sure what that is. but i think a mostly happy,stable and productive life could be possible. i didn't think so 6 months ago. but meds have helped tremendously for me. it took a long time and alot of trial and error to find a mix that works. and even at that it's not perfect and could be tweaked. have hope, but you need to work at getting better. it's worth it.

I'm able to lead a pretty normal life when I'm on my meds and stable. I work full time, I'm married with 3 kids, etc. That doesn't mean everything is great all the time. It has taken time to get meds picked and regulated, and even now they are still adjusted every few months because I rapid cycle. But life can be pretty normal, you just have to work at it more than most I guess.

[gravyyy]

it's a process, hemulen, but things do tend to even out and you can function. With time you learn what triggers you and what warning signs are and with the right combination of meds and therapy you can be totally normal as far as functioning. I have a full time job and have my own house and all that so there;s no reason to think others couldn't do that as well. The key is being consistent with your treatment. Wishing you the best!! Take care!

[client]

Hi. been on lamictal.prozac for about 5 yrs now. . had been on abilify for about two yrs but felt stable enough to try going without it. so far so good. we stopped the prozac because I was getting too chilled out. no good times. no bad times. my psych says it is called serotonin apathy syndrome. you just get flat-don't enjoy anything. just coast along . stopped the prozac and went onto lexapro and so far no apathy. life is much better than it was 5 to 6 yrs ago. of couse I have been in therapy for three years. not sure if it is the meds or therapy or both helping me feel better. but I'll go for it. It is much better than not being on meds. I haven't had to change meds very often. lucky I guess.

signed client

[dj586858]

I think that we are always a work in progress. First finding the right med mix for you, then tweaking it when necessary. About two months ago we tweaked mine and I have been feeling really good. Then New Year's Day and all last weekend I had a bad episode and slept the whole time. This afternoon while I was struggling at work, the darkness lifted. I was disappointed that I hit bottom again but it only lasted three days! I have never recovered so quickly! Life is good again!
So don't stop trying. Never give up. Find what works for you.
Good luck!
DJ

[birdcrazy]

On meds, I'm stable enough that I am working with the state and the local mental health agency to get back to work.

Without meds, my brain can't handle it anymore and I remember trying to do my work as a bird researcher during this time and the bird songs not even registering in my brain (couldn't tell what species they were).

[hemulen]

Thanks for all your comments. Its nice to hear your experiences and that meds can help you to lead a stable life

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